Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo

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On 4 August 2014 we responded to a funding alert for the internally displaced persons (IDP) crisis in Katanga province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

BACKGROUND TO THE CRISIS

An upsurge in fighting between government troops and rebel groups in the Katanga province of DRC has caused the displacement of 32,000 people in recent weeks (up to 20th July 2014). Many of these are women and children, and large numbers of people have been separated from or have lost family members.

The urgent needs of those affected include assistance in terms of non-food items, immediate assistance following violence including sexual and gender-based violence, and basic healthcare to prevent and mitigate against existing health risks. A lack of recipients for carrying and storing water is also generating health risks and limiting the scope for safe food preparation and personal cleanliness. Personal hygiene items are also in demand, with the lack of these disproportionately affecting the health and dignity of women and girls. In addition, 21 women have been kidnapped in the last four weeks and there has been a rise in reported cases of physical and sexual violence. The victims are in need of urgent medical and psychosocial support.

This new increase in violence and displacement is adding to the already considerable difficulties faced by displaced and host families alike: many of those newly displaced had been victims of previous fighting and had only recently returned to their villages; a high proportion of them have experienced physical violence including rape; and food supplies and access to non-food items, already in short supply prior to the latest clashes, is now even more limited. Health problems such as respiratory diseases as well as communicable diseases such as measles are on the increase.

The GHA Programme is partnering with the START network to help to inform its funding allocation decisions. The START network is a consortium of British-based humanitarian INGOs, which has recently launched its own fund to help fill funding gaps and enable rapid response to under-reported crises where need is great.

When the START members issue a funding alert, we produce (within 12 hours) a rapid overview of the humanitarian funding picture – recent funding, an overview of appeals and funds, and analysis of donor trends. The analysis is targeted not only at the START network but also to a wider set of stakeholders engaged in these crises – including donors, humanitarian organisations, analysts, advocates and citizens.